Apostates are not evil people. They aren't misguided, defective goods, or inferior. The term itself is a Mormon invention designed to control those who stay while other rank and file members abort.

It's another form of shunning, looking down on others rather than lifting them up.

The term itself is a misnomer. Another cult tactic to exert control over others by making them feel less than human.

Having the freedom to make your own way in the world is a god given right. No one has the power to take that away from you, unless you give it to them.

Nor does Mormonism own the patent to joy. Joy is innate, and comes from within. It can't be bought or parceled. Mormons think the only way to happiness is as a Mormon. They got it backwards. It is not the way to happiness by virtue of its deception. It's the equivalent of Fool's Gold. It only looks tempting until you measure its content. That's when you learn all that glitters is not gold.

So, don't worry. Be happy. Love yourself and be at peace with the world. Things could be worse. You could be back there. :)

I like your analogy, Amyjo. TSCC really is like Fool's Gold: nice appearance on the outside but ugly on the inside. I had always thought that "Apostate" was Greek for a free person; someone no longer a slave. I agree that "Apostate" has come to be associated with evil people; don't even look at them! But if someone is going to label me, I don't mind "apostate"; in fact, it's a badge of honor.

If you disagree with a bishop or a stake president you are apostate. Multiply that by the number of bishops and stake presidents out there and no, you cant put all the reasons for apostasy in a bishops handbook.

Connotation also comes into play. In a religious setting, the apostate label is pejorative (understatement).

In my experience with The WatchTower Society (JWs) and at least the more fundamentalist EVs, being considered apostate is far worse than any other transgression, including mere lack of belief. It is considered to be actively choosing treachery against God and his people. Way beyond just renouncing faith. There is no forgiveness or return from apostasy. You are hell-bound. End of.

“The word "apostasy" comes from the Greek apostasia, which is translated "falling away" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The word is closely related to the Greek word for "divorce."

“Apostates are those who fall away from the true faith, abandoning what they formerly professed to believe. The term describes those whose beliefs are so deficient as to place them outside the pale of true Christianity. For example, a liberal denomination that denies the authority of Scripture or the deity of Christ is an apostate denomination.

“True Christians do not apostatize. Those who fall away into apostasy demonstrate that their faith was never real to begin with (1 John 2:19).”

Yes. It denies your beliefs and choices. Potentially robs you of friends and family (if they choose to shun you, as directed). It interferes with your life. "Apostates" can be driven to desperation.

They define agency as "the privilege of choice which was introduced by God the Eternal Father to all of his spirit children in the premortal state".Or as commonly used: choosing between good and evil or Heavenly Father and Lucifer/Satan.

So when I tell a TBM that I've ceased believing in the teachings of the mormon church, despite having been raised in the church, accomplished all the goals set for youth (seminary, mission, BYU, temple-marriage), and he asks when my 'apostasy' took place, I can't simply say. "May of 1965, internally, but May of 1974, externally."

I have no problem agreeing with the TBM when she tells me that I am living in apostasy. I will nod my head enthusiastically!!

Also, I sincerely believe that joy can be purchased. I think you should stay away from Norman Rockwell.

Amyjo Wrote:-------------------------------------------------------> The term> itself is a Mormon invention designed to control> those who stay while other rank and file members> abort.>Julian the apostate was a 4th Century Roman emperor who rejected the recently established “official” Christian Church and tried to reinstate worship of the old Roman gods. Mormons didn’t invent the word, but I agree with your point.

So, like Cl2 can be seen as a badge of honor rather than a derogatory term, how Mormons try to portray it.

I don't consider myself an apostate, though there was a time I may have when I was inactive and in the throes of renunciation.

Because I identify with something else more profound and spiritual to me, Mormonism is a by-gone chapter of my life resurrected by virtue of finding RfM, a somewhat safe place to publicly denounce it among a support group of like-minded ex-cultees.